Page 32 of Evan
“I have been asked to make the announcements, so here goes. It’s almost the end of summer and our young people are going back to school. Several are even going off to college.
I have been prevailed on as usual to share my advice and caution. I was a nerd in high school and college, and it was all about studying for me. I was on a scholarship, so keeping up with my grades was of monumental importance for me.”
She looked around the large room, her gaze touching on Evan briefly, before moving away. “I am not here to preach because I am going to leave that task to our very able pastor. But the most important thing about all of this is we have to remember our principles and our religion.
Who will be watching us every step of the way, not because He is looking for an excuse to swing the hammer, but because He promised never to leave us. Parents will not be there, our pastorwill not be, but we are not here to please people. We are here to please the Lord.” She shook her head with a laugh.
“I promised not to preach, and I broke that promise.” She waited for the laughter to stop, before welcoming the visitors in their midst. She did not single him out and he was happy about it, but he could feel the stares of people around him.
*****
“We have got to stop meeting like this.” Her melodious voice had his body tightening, his heart racing. He had been talking to the pastor who had bluntly asked if was here because of ‘Cassie’ or the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
“I am here because of Cassandra.”
The man had started at his bluntness but had walked away without saying anything else.
Turning around, his eyes wandered over her exquisite face with an expression that told him how he was pleased to see her. She was holding a plate of cakes and fruits in her hand, which she handed to him. “I noticed you were not eating. Hi.”
He wanted to scoop her into his arms and show her how pleased he was to see her.
“Hi.” He had to clear his throat to get rid of the huskiness. “You are beautiful.”
“Thanks.”
They continued to stare at each other, unaware or uncaring of the curious looks thrown their way.
“And you look very dapper.” She gestured to the tan trousers and navy-blue blazer over the white shirt.
“Just something I threw together.” He grinned at her, suddenly feeling very young.
“I was wondering…”
“Yes?” He prompted when she stopped.
“How about a picnic?”
“Will there be watermelon?”
Her tapered brows lifted.
“Is that a condition?”
He pretended to think about it. “I am afraid so.”
“I think I can find some.”
“What time?”
“How about four? It will give me time to get everything ready.”
“Any idea where we are going?”
“I know just the place. Come hungry.”
“Oh, I will. Want me to bring the wine?”
“Yep.” She handed him the plate and set about making one for herself. Touching his arm lightly, she nodded towards where some of her kids were gathered. “I want you to meet the team.”